Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. Trade Representative are working towards presenting a potential trade deal to President Donald Trump by Monday, according to sources familiar with the situation. The aim is to provide Trump with the proposal before the looming tariff deadline, allowing him time to make a final decision before new tariffs affecting numerous Canadian imports are set to come into effect on August 19.
LeBlanc recently held a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, their third face-to-face meeting in three weeks. Following the hour-long meeting, LeBlanc shared on X that discussions are ongoing, emphasizing continued engagement at the negotiation table with Janice Charette, Canada’s chief trade negotiator.
In addition to discouraging new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. They are also hopeful for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration declined to renew the deal in July.
The U.S. recently announced the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, citing various trade issues such as Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies, including the removal of U.S. alcohol from provincial stores and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength with the White House. She raised concerns about the delay in securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration, calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver on his promises to Canadians. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also urged Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on softwood lumber, elimination of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules on infrastructure projects.
The ongoing efforts aim to address trade challenges and secure a favorable trade deal for Canada in the midst of evolving trade dynamics between the two countries.